Winningest Norton lately - with over 30 races so far

I didn't know it but the Dave Watson 1007cc Norton ridden by Gary Thwaites is still winning races. First of all it won all its races and the championship in 2012. It has continued racing since 2012. IT HAS OVER 30 RACES ON THAT MOTOR. Just this morning I got a track photo and some photos of the pistons from Gordon Humphreys - the tuner of Dave Watson's bike. After all that racing they tore it down for a rebuild and will be putting it back on the track. They're replacing the rings (but saving the pistons). They will re-use most other parts but I assume they will replace bearings etc.

Here’s Gordon's email message:
"Jim, Gary rode the big norton in two Crmc meeting in 2013 at Cadwell Park and Donington and won all his five races, he rode three or four more race meetings with other clubs I can not remember. He also had a one off ride in 2014 at Mondello park in Southern Ireland in four Post classic races. The total number of race will be in excess of thirty races. I will get back to you about bore wear but a quick look suggests very little.
Regards Gordon
Ps a photo at Donnington 2013"



Photos that Gordon sent me of pistons with 30+ races below.




You can see some wear on the skirts but overall its not bad when you consider how much time and stress is on them. He uses Castrol R 40 bean oil.

Excellent stuff!

Another email came in from Gordon (the tuner).

"Jim I have checked the bore for wear, the clearances are 6thou piston at bottom of bore and 6thou piston at top of bore, this is + or - 1/2 a thou so there is very little wear from when it was first built. regards Gordon"

This is certainly good news and it says a lot about the Castrol R40 bean oil he's using.